This just reminded me of a similar incident involving myself and a step-cousin, before I had pain. She has always been thin due to some condition she has which won't let her put on weight. One day I joked about how I wish she could be contagious and give it to me!

With patience and calmness she explained to me that malabsobption is not all fun and that she was experiencing pain. It was not long after that she was diagnosed with MS.

I remember the innocence by which I was joking, with no malice or understanding of her suffering. She handled my joke with such dignity. Now, when someone jokes about how they wish they could get my illness so they can find an excuse not to work, I try to remember they are innocently joking (mostly) and I strive to conduct myself with the grace and kindness my cousin showed me. I strive to be like her, an uphill battle, but worth the climb.